What happens when freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are all placed in the same “House”? At Mount Carmel, the answer is stronger leadership, more competition, and a closer school as a whole.
This school year, MC introduced a new House system during Studium time, the Homeroom-style period containing a mix of all four grade levels. It replaces the old Division style that students had followed for years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The whole purpose of this is to build a stronger school connection by capitalizing on the mix of students from different grade levels and giving them new ways to connect, lead, and compete.
The idea for the House system came from Mr. Dan Haggerty, who had seen similar programs work well at other schools. He believed MC needed something fresh to bring back the feeling Studium had years ago. “This has kind of been in Mr. Haggerty’s brain forever,” said Mr. Brooks Nevrly, English teacher and member of the House Leadership Team. “We wanted to bring back Studium in a way that could unify the school better than just going to a resource period for 25 minutes.”
Now, with the House system, he hopes to bring that energy back and build on it. “At its best, Studium was a place where students felt like they had a home here,” Mr. Haggerty said. “The House model is just a way to expand that, so instead of 24 separate studiums, we can create four Houses with the same kind of energy.”
Students say the change has already made a difference; they enjoy being able to meet people from different grades, instead of just being with their own class.
“It’s better for the whole community,” senior Jayden Tate said. “Instead of just sitting in division being on phones and not doing anything.”
For upperclassmen, the House System provides more leadership opportunities. Seniors can guide younger students, and set good examples worth those kids. At the same time, freshmen feel more comfortable and want to talk to the upperclassman more as they just come in.
“It’s just really nice having multiple classes all together and really getting to know new people,” said senior Madden Wilson. “It gives us another opportunity to lead by example.”
Teachers have noticed that this setup is helping students grow. “Seniors have a way to develop their leadership skills by talking to other people and being the head of their Studium,” said Mr. Nevrly. “Freshmen are also benefiting by becoming more comfortable and confident in the school environment.”
One of the most popular parts of the House system so far has been the flag football games, and it brings out lots of enthusiasm from students. “Boys in particular love the opportunity to compete and move,” Mr. Haggerty said. “What we’re seeing on the football fields during House time is proof of that.”
But it’s not just students who are enjoying it. Teachers are also building connections through these games. Mr. Haggerty mentioned that faculty members don’t always get much time to interact during a regular school day, but intramurals have played a part in this too.
The House system is still new, but there are already plans to expand it further. Mr. Haggerty hopes that in the future, Houses can earn points not just through sports and competitions, but also through. GPA, spirit wear, and event attendance. This would make it not all about sports to keep everybody engaged. Students believe the program will continue to grow with each new class.
“Every single class gets better and better because they all learn from the seniors that were at the school when they were underclassmen,” Wilson said.
The House system has only been around for a small amount of time, but it is already making great changes for MC students. By having competition and new opportunities, it is creating something that students and staff hope does great things in years to come.
